Midfielder Bilyaletdinov, who struck a superb last-gasp winner against Portsmouth on Sunday, said: 'After two weeks' holiday I need to train. Next season is coming very fast.

'We are going to Australia (for pre-season) and we need to work hard. When we come back we need to have a good start. We must come back and maybe top four - it should happen.'

Bilyaletdinov has enjoyed a promising first season in England after his move from Lokomotiv Moscow last summer.

The highlight for the 25-year-old was a superb goal in February's 3-1 win over Manchester United - a strike that earned him the club's goal of the season award last week.

That effort, however, was eclipsed by his stunning 30-yard curler against Pompey, which snatched a dramatic 1-0 win four minutes into injury time at Goodison Park.

Bilyaletdinov said: 'People tell me this one was better. The goal against Manchester was special - at home, Goodison Park, and we won the game 3-1.

'I think that was more important but this was more beautiful. It was just a small second, you don't mean you aim to score in the top corner, you just want to shoot on target. But it was great for me that it went in the top corner.'

After arriving at Everton straight from the Russian season last year, Bilyaletdinov has not enjoyed an extended break for some time.

He intends to make the most of his summer recess this year, but stresses it will be brief.

He added: 'I need a rest but will go into next season with big feelings I can do more.

'This was a very long season for me, one and a half years. I now have two weeks off but I need to do some tasks.

'I need to progress here. I want to work hard and play here.'

On the up: Moyes enjoyed a strong end to the season

Everton boss David Moyes also hopes to be competing for a place in the top four next season.

His side's strong run-in took them to 61 points - just two short of the 63 they claimed in finishing fifth last season - and the Scot sees enormous potential.

Moyes said: 'I think we have tried to improve but it shows you how far we have come that we are all pretty disappointed finishing eighth.

'That is a good thing - the players feel as if we have not achieved what we should have done.

'A lot of people have said finishing eighth was maybe about right with what we have, but I think what you have seen would make you think we should have been farther up.

'I can't wait for a break but there is part of me saying I want to keep this going.

'We are only two points worse off than last year and we had a long period through injuries.

'We have not been that far away. We have been relatively consistent but it is disappointing we are finishing eighth.'

Moyes will now turn his attention to fine-tuning his squad for the next campaign.

Bringing in a new striker is among his priorities but he has constantly said he does not expect major signings.

Increasing the size of his squad is important, as is agreeing new contracts with a number of key players.

Chief executive Robert Elstone has confirmed the club are close to agreeing a new four-year deal with Tim Cahill while discussions with Steven Pienaar and Jack Rodwell are ongoing.